US government shutdown leaves federal workers unpaid and air traffic controllers forced to drive for Uber amid worsening travel chaos

As the US government shutdown stretches into its 23rd day, thousands of air traffic controllers are being forced to find alternative ways to make ends meet, including driving for rideshare services like Uber, amid mounting concern over safety and operational strain in the nation’s skies.

More than 500,000 federal employees are expected to miss paychecks this week, with the shutdown affecting critical services across the country. Among the hardest hit are 13,000 air traffic controllers who continue to ensure the safety of millions of travelers while working without pay.

“This is egregious and truly sad,” said Karoline Leavitt, noting that some controllers have taken on second jobs just to cover basic expenses. “They are keeping our skies safe, yet are being forced to drive for Uber and take other work just to make ends meet.”



The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already reported disruptions at major airports, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports, where ground stops were issued earlier this week due to staffing strains. Airline pilots’ associations have voiced serious concerns over the growing pressures on air traffic operations.

“The air traffic system is already operating under immense pressure,” said the President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, urging lawmakers to pass a clean continuing resolution. “A government shutdown only compounds that stress and threatens the efficiency and safety of our skies.”

The Airline Pilots Association International, representing more than 80,000 pilots, echoed the warning, emphasizing that the ongoing shutdown “undermines our system’s safety. Resources are stretched thin, negotiations are delayed, and strain grows daily.”

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, industry officials are particularly worried about the impact on travel. Millions of Americans are expected to fly over the holiday period, and disruptions at airports could cause widespread delays and cancellations.

The White House has expressed ongoing concern for both air traffic controllers and the broader travel system, urging Democrats in Congress to pass a continuing resolution to reopen the government. Officials warned that failure to act could result in a significant shutdown of American air travel during the busiest travel season of the year.

The US government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations bills for the 2026 fiscal year. The impasse stemmed from partisan disagreements over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies.

Essential services like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Transportation Security Administration remained operational, but many agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, faced partial or full suspensions of operations.